JUDE 17-23, MESSAGE #5

• It’s one thing to know that thieves of the truth exist, but it’s another thing to be of them and to people.
• Knowing that those who hide the truth are planning to deceive people with lies, while doing nothing, is a form of ministry .
• The church that Jude writes to has been told about thieves:
• Jude 17-18 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires.

1. Paul to church leaders. Acts 20:28-31 So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

2. Paul to Pastor Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

3. Paul warns of what is to come. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

“Before Satan can substitute his own lies, he must get rid of the truth of God’s Word.” Warren Wiersbe

• Genesis 3:1 “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

• Jude 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
• V. 18 = “ their ungodly desires.”
• V.19 = “ their natural instincts.”
• They do not the church; they are a to the church.
• Romans 16:17-18 17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
• Before there is division, there is . Before deception, there are words. Before smooth words, there is the passion to have natural instincts satisfied with false .
• 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.
• We are outsiders in this world. The world despises us, so let’s one another. As the world grows darker, let’s be bright . Since the world thrives on lies, let’s be people of . It’s wiser to stick than to tear each other apart.

1. Build up others in the faith.
Jude 20a But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith,

2. Pray up.
Jude 20b pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Prayer is the Holy Spirit speaking in the believer, through Christ to the Father.” Vernon McGee

3. Look up.
Jude 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

4. Show up. Extend patience to those weak in faith.
Jude 22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.

5. Wise up. Do everything possible to rescue believers overcome by deception and sin.
Jude 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

• Galatians 6:1-3 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
• your life in God’s truth, then when you set sail on the sea of life, you will have the true setting from the Master who will see you safely to heaven’s shore in eternity.

Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I know that the penalty for my sin is physical, spiritual, and eternal death. I acknowledge that I can’t do anything about my situation. But I know that You came to pay the penalty for my sin. I trust in You alone as the One who died in my place. I repent of my sin and trust in You alone as the only One who can place me in an eternal relationship with the living God. I receive joyfully receive Your gift of GRACE. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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